The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif with several peaks above 7000m. Part of the range forms a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by such giants as Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and Machhapuchhare. Making our way to the magnificent Sanctuary, we trek through forested hillsides, marvelling at panoramic views of the Annapurna before reaching higher altitudes and close-up mountain views like no other. We have a day to explore this magnificent place before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek offering close-up mountain views equal to any in the Himalaya.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

2.0km/1.2miles

Day 3

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 4

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 5

20.0km/12.4miles

Day 6

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 7

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 8

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 9

3.0km/1.9miles

Day 10

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 11

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 12

15.0km/9.3miles

Number of days walking: 10

Pace: Approximately 6hrs walking per day

Terrain: High altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Kathmandu.

Those on the group flight from London will arrive in Kathmandu and will be transferred to The Royal Singi Hotel in the afternoon. Those not travelling with the group from London will meet us in the hotel. There will be a full trek briefing this evening.

We leave early and drive westwards to Pokhara. This town is set in a beautiful valley and is overlooked by Machhapuchhare, one of the most distinctive of the Himalayan peaks. We continue through Pokhara to Naya Pul and from there have a 30-minute walk to the village of Birethanthi, where we stay overnight. Birethanthi is a riverside village at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Burungdi Khola. If there is time we can bathe in the clear but cold pools of the Burungdi Khola.See more images and videos

3Day 3Climb one step at a time to the top of Ulleri.

We start our trek by following the Burungdi Khola upstream. After a lunch stop in Tirkhedunga (renowned for its variety of local beer called chang) we start the long steep climb up a stone staircase through the neatly terraced hillsides to the top of Ulleri (2,073m).See more images and videos

4Day 4Ascend through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani.

Winding out of Ulleri the trail now enters rhododendron forests. In spring the forest is a blaze of colour. Trains of mules provide colourful and noisy interludes to the continuous ascent today. Carrying rice and other supplies north to the kingdom of Mustang the trail resounds with the sound of their bells. Finally we emerge from the forests at Ghorepani (2855m) and suddenly a splendid mountain vista appears before us - Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung and other Himalayan giants.See more images and videos

5Day 5Optional early morning ascent to Poon Hill for incredible views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare and Dhaulagiri at sunrise. After breakfast head through rhododendron forests to Chuili.

This morning there is an optional ascent of Poon Hill (about an hour's walk above Ghorepani) to see the spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. As the sun emerges from behind the mountains the sky glows red and pink in the first rays of the sun and the panorama is surely one of the world's great mountain vistas. Best seen at dawn, the climb is well worth the effort. After breakfast we head east, following a ridge to cross a pass at 3,193m. We pass through more open country then descend again through jungle to a few lodges in a clearing called Banthanti at 2,620m. Climbing back to 2,745m, we reach another small pass at Tadapani where we have a superb view of Annapurna South and the peak of Machhapuchhare. From here we descend for a short while to our lodge at Chuili, where we have great views of the mountains from the lovely garden.See more images and videos

6Day 6Descend to the Kyumnu Khola and climb up and contour round into the Modi Khola valley to Chomrong.

The trail descends through the forest to the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. From here a steep ascent brings us to Chomrong, at 2,170m, another Gurung village and the last permanent settlement in the valley. Beyond here we shall see yersas, the shelters used by herdsmen in the summer months. From Chomrong we have good views again of Annapurna South and from this point onwards the twin-peaked mountain Machhapuchhare ('fishtail') which gives the mountain its name.See more images and videos

The trail from Chomrong descends first on a stone staircase to cross the Chomrong Khola and then climbs out of this side valley to re-enter the main Modi Khola Valley. We pass through jungle of oak, hemlock and rhododendron trees to Kuldi Ghar (2540m), previously the site of a sheep breeding project. Beyond here our route undulates through dense bamboo thickets. These are cut extensively to make 'dokos' - the carrying baskets as used by our porters - and woven mats for floors and roofing. We climb up through the bamboo, and then through forests of rhododendrons. In early Spring we may encounter snow on the trail from this point onwards. At 2505m we reach Dovan, a clearing in the forest where there are several teahouses.See more images and videos

8Day 8Continue up the valley to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m)

We continue up through the forest, passing the lodges at Himalaya Hotel and then further on past Hinko Cave, where the first expeditions to the Base Camp used to camp. Crossing a ravine the trail climbs steeply among boulders, leaving the trees behind us. The valley broadens out and the scenery becomes wilder as we approach the gates of the sanctuary. Passing between the heights of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare, we reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m), where we spend the night. The views are stupendous and the panorama includes Huinchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare.See more images and videos

9Day 9Explore the high alpine wilderness of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Stay at Annapurna Base Camp.

In the early morning we walk for 2 hours up to Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of some of the highest mountains in the world. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare all encircle us with unbroken soaring ramparts but for the route by which we entered. The sunset and sunrise are truly magnificent in this mountain arena. We spend the day in this special place with a chance to watch the sun rise the following morning. There should be time to make an excursion to the ridge overlooking the base camp from which Chris Bonington led the ascent of Annapurna's South Face. (Occasionally there is too much snow to stay at Annapurna Base Camp. In this case we would walk back down to Machhapuchhare Base Camp in the late afternoon).See more images and videos

10Day 10Descend back down the valley to Bamboo.

We leave the Sanctuary today descending past Hinko, through the rhododendron jungle and bamboo thickets to Bamboo Lodge.See more images and videos

11Day 11Trek up and down on stone steps to Chomrong. Descend steeply through terraces to Jhinnudanda.

We return down the Modi Khola Valley, leaving it to cross the Chomrong Khola. We are back in inhabited country again as we climb the stone steps back up to Chomrong. We then descend very steeply on stone steps through terraces to Jhinnudanda.See more images and videos

12Day 12Trek down to Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Transfer from Naya Pul to Pokhara.

A long day as we drop down to the Modi Khola River which we follow all the way back to Birethanthi. From here we pick up transport for the short drive to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon.See more images and videos

13Day 13Fly back to Kathmandu.

We catch a flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for sightseeing and shopping. (for those who choose not to fly, or if we are unable to fly, we return to Kathmandu by road, arriving in the early evening).See more images and videos

14Day 14Free day in Kathmandu to explore the city and its numerous historical sites.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Alternatively you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Sightseeing tours can be booked locally. For more details of all the optional activities please refer to the Optional Excursions section.See more images and videos

15Day 15End Kathmandu.

The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not on the group flight will leave us after breakfast.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts

All accommodation (see below)

All listed transport and activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival and departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request from GBP80 - Kathmandu and Pokhara only)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Lodges

3 nights will be spent in standard hotels and 11 nights in local lodges. Some lodges now have showers (charged at about £1.50 per shower) and all have some form of washing facilities along with toilets. Most lodges have twin bedded rooms but you may have to sleep in multi-bedded rooms (especially on nights 8 to 10).

Accommodation in Kathmandu is on a twin share basis, but single rooms are usually available for an additional cost. Please let us know as early as possible if you would like a single room.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. The current cost of a visa on arrival is USD25 for 15 days, USD40 for 30 days or if extending your stay USD100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. You will also need a passport photo. The visa fee can be paid in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is GBP20 for a 15 day visa and GBP35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. All other nationalities should check with their nearest embassy.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.
Holiday style

This trek is level 4 walking, with 10 days walking. The maximum altitude is 4,130m and the average is 2,440m. It is a moderately strenuous trek for those confident of their physical fitness, although most of the difficult walking is on the last approach to the Sanctuary itself. Please note that in the Annapurna region there are many trails that follow stone steps up and down so you might find a pair of trekking poles very useful.

Altitude maximum 4130m, average 2440m

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts included.
On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. Please allow £15 - £25 per day for other meals and drinks on trek and in Kathmandu. We do not include lunch and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. The menus in the lodges are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Please note that if you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the above amount.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15 to 30degC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10degC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking. There can be snow in Annapurna Base Camp at any time of year.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approx. above 20degC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to -5degC at the higher altitudes.

Winter: December to end February. Despite the colder conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to -10degC at Annapurna Base Camp but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at the time of year. In Kathmandu maximum daytime temperatures are 19degC.

Pre-monsoon: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there can be some rain. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 30degC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. The Annapurna region is famous for the rhododendrons in spring. Snow can be expected in spring at the Base Camp.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Publicised as one of Nepal's best and i imagine that few could beat it for the range of experiences on offer. The daybreak on the top of Poon Hill was fantastic. Although don't go there to be alone! Walking up the valley of the Modi Khola was hard work due to the numerous stone staircases - hundreds of steps down a side valley followed by more steps to go back to the same elevation. The situation of ABC in the Sanctuary is very special indeed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunrise illuminating the massive South Face of Annapurna I (one of the 14 8000'ers). Mesmerising and so photogenic.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prasant Subedi was an extremely fine leader of our group. Always good humoured. Informative. Coped well as various illnesses hit many in the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring a good sleeping bag. While not essential for the majority of the walk in Oct/Nov, Annapurna BC is very cold at night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a superb trip! The group support from the 15 trekkers was truly fantastic and we helped each other through any challenging bits. We had excellent guides and porters, and the teahouses were relatively comfortable, with a more varied diet on offer than I'd expected. I was genuinely surprised at how good the teahouses were - not luxurious of course, but certainly homely and welcoming. The views at all stages were stunningly beautiful and I felt truly humbled by the magnificence of the Sanctuary itself - it was very emotional getting there.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many to mention. Every day brought new highs (literally and metaphorically). Reaching Ulleri at the end of the hard first day climb was delightful, and gave a palpable sense of achievement. Ghorepani/Poon Hill was good, but very very busy. Reaching Hinku Cave, in the footprints of the giants (Chris Bonington et al) was very humbling. The Base Camps each held their own delights, and the massage at Jhinudanda at the end of 9 days walking was stupendous! The massage was so good, I started day 10 with muscles as relaxed as on day 1. Highly recommended!

What did you think of your group leader?

Prasant was excellent - constantly cheerful and optimistic and extremely hard-working. He was an inspiration to us all. He is highly experienced and Exodus is very lucky to have him on their staff. He's a great team leader and worked hard to make sure the other guides and porters were well looked after. As a result, we felt that the whole group, trekkers, guides and porters, were working together at all stages.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take the warmest sleeping bag you can - it was very cold at the Base Camps.
Don't take too many clothes - you won't use them all - but do make sure you have gear for all weathers. We had very little rain while we were walking, but we were lucky.
Take trail mix/energy or cereal bars for a quick energy fix.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't hesitate to do it but get as fit as you can before you go. Even the longest and hardest days were no more demanding than a long day on the high Lakeland peaks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the sunrise in Annapurna Sanctuary. All of it really, the beautiful sunbirds, kingfishers, Himalayan bulbuls, the milky rivers in full force, thundering waterfalls, mica rocks glinting in the sunshine, the stunning stars and night sky at Annapurna Base Camp.

What did you think of your group leader?

Keshar was excellent, aware of everyone's needs, looked after us all brilliantly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have any love of mountain trekking at all, do this one. Take binoculars, the birding is SPECTACULAR, should have a special birding trip. That was my only regret as would have liked a little more time birdwatching and a little less on tea stops.

However, Nepal is a poor country and this is not a luxury trip. If you cannot manage a vegetarian diet under any circumstances, then perhaps not for you. The Dhal-Bhat is nourishing and delicious and different at every tea-house. Free refills!

It is cold at altitude, have a 3/4 season sleeping bag, you will need it. Plenty of wet wipes needed, showers not available every day. Be prepared for smelly toilets. Wet weather gear a must. We had 1 day of downpours but were soaked through. There is competition for space around the wood stoves to get dried off!

Be reasonably fit, you will enjoy it more. The only other Grade 4 Exodus holiday I had done was Sierra Aitana, and that is not at altitude. I managed this reasonably, but wish I had done that extra training..

The porters are the life-saving backbone to this holiday. They are truly amazing. Do not penalize them by having a bag of more than 10kg.

Shop in Pokhara, Kathmandu a bit more expensive.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you like walking and mountains there is none better. This is our 10th exodus trip and the Himalayas always come out top. Don't think too hard about this one, just book it!

David once bought a one way ticket to Mumbai and a year later found himself in Beijing via 5 legged cows, moped crashes and a hitch with a wanted criminal. Along the way he met rock stars, international footballers and loads of monks. Nowadays, if he's not at his Sales desk, he can be found on the top of mountains or cross-country skiing in one of the many great destinations Exodus offers. He's hurtled out of control on skis into a tree, bagged Kilimanjaro and Toubkal, done the Moonstone Trek and most recently completed the Mont Blanc Circuit.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is there anywhere to store luggage while on trek?

You will be packing your kitbag for the trek before you leave Kathmandu, and can leave your main luggage at the Royal Singhi hotel in Kathmandu, where it will be stored securely free of charge. However, as with any destination, we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Do I need to take walking poles?

If you are used to walking with trekking poles then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference but do remember to pack them as part of your main luggage to be stowed in the hold. If you decide later you'd like to have some, they are available to buy in Kathmandu.

Olly Leicester - Sales

What distance do we walk each day?

When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances on each day.

For example, you might walk 7 miles one day and it takes 5 hours. The next day the trail might be very steep , rocky and gain substantial altitude and such factors mean you cover just 2 miles in 5 hours!

In the Himalaya, even the local people only ever talk about distances in the mountains in terms of how long it will take, i.e. 5 hours walk. On most trekking trips, you will walk for 3-4 hours in the morning and another couple after lunch.

Can you give me more info on altitude sickness?

On a lodge or teahouse trek, how much spending money should I allow ?

£20 - £25 per day is ample, but it is possible to spend less (and more!). Meals are usually pretty cheap but extras such as sweets or snacks will add a bit more to your budget. There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu, so you can withdraw more Nepalese currency if you are running short towards the end of your trip.

Mike James - Operations director

Any good tips for eating out in Kathmandu?

Head down to the Everest Steak House in southern Thamel for a mouth watering steak and chips, well earned if you’re just back from trek. Finish it off with a cocktail in the legendary Tom & Jerry bar up the road!

You can also head to Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel, a great place with casual indoor and outdoor eating which is popular amongst travellers, and locals alike. This restaurant is a great place to meet for a morning cup of Italian espresso, or a hearty meal of delicious pizzas, pastas, ice cream and even a Grappa!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Any special food I should try in Kathmandu?

Dal BhatDal Bhat is the Nepali staple food. It consists of rice and lentils and a spicy vegetable or meat curry. Nepalis will eat this twice a day. A good lunchtime Dal Bhat is served at Nanglos restaurant 5 minutes walk from the Royal Singi Hotel, or try the Royal Dal Bhat at Kilroys.

Momos

This Nepalese version of dumplings/ wantons is a traditional delicacy and a must try local dish while you are in Nepal. Momo dumplings are either steamed or fried with chicken/or buff (water buffalo) as well as stuffed with vegetables for vegetarians and have become the most famous fast food amongst Nepalese and can be found on the menus of most restaurants serving locals and tourists alike.

Kwanti soup

This mixed bean soup is usually served during festivals and gatherings and now has made its way in many of restaurant menus. Goes well with Naan or roti bread.

Choela

This is a typical Newari dish smoked meat (chicken; lamb or buffalo meat) tossed with spices and mustard oil. Easily available in most Nepalese and local restaurants in Kathmandu around Hotel Royal Singi and in sightseeing spots.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

On trek in Nepal, is there enough drinking water available?

On camping treks we provide safe boiled water for drinking 3 times a day.On lodge based treks we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles. You can buy boiled water which is safe to drink or you can ask your leader for cold water which you then must treat with chlorine dioxide. On the Annapurna Circuit trek there are safe drinking water stations in many villages. In the Everest region a couple of lodges have UV treated water for sale.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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